Logic List Mailing Archive

CfA: PhD position in Genetic Programming, Galway (Ireland), deadline: asap

Topic: Genetic Programming Symbolic Regression Methods for modelling and control of Wastewater Treatment Plants

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a PhD studentship with the School of Computer Science and Insight Centre, located within the Data Science Institute, University of Galway, Ireland.

The PhD research will be in Machine Learning (ML) for Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operation. Ward & Burke Ltd. operate a number of large-scale WWTPs in Ireland and elsewhere. A WWTP uses multiple treatment processes in order to meet environmental standards. The goal of the overall project is to operate plants more efficiently, using less electricity, reducing emissions of all types from the processing, while meeting strict regulatory standards on outflow water.

The specific goal of this PhD is (1) to use machine learning and statistical methods to uncover relationships between time-series variables observed in the WWTP - in- and out-flow rates, pump and aeration rates, chemical and other measurements in multiple locations throughout the plant - in order to understand the operation of the plant better. Following on from that, in collaboration with the project team, the further goal is to (2) optimise a simulation model of the plant in order to uncover efficiencies.

The specific methodology of this PhD will involve using several regression methods and time-series methods to model relationships among variables. Methods including linear regression and neural networks will be used as baselines. Genetic programming symbolic regression (GPSR) will be used to capture relationships with a high degree of explainability / interpretability. Other optimisation algorithms such as genetic algorithms and linear programming will then be used for the optimisation tasks.

This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and Ward & Burke Construction Ltd and is available from 1 September 2024. A PhD in University of Galway normally lasts 4 years. Funding is currently available for approximately 3 years, but funding for the final year is expected to be available through a follow-on collaboration, already planned, between Insight Centre and Ward & Burke Construction Ltd.

Payment: the PhD stipend is tax-free and is set according to normal SFI rates as EUR22,000 per annum (https://www.sfi.ie/research-news/news/increase-phd-stipends/). Some paid teaching assistant work is available in the School of Computer Science.

To apply or make an informal enquiry:
Dr James McDermott james.mcdermott@universityofgalway.ie<mailto:james.mcdermott@universityofgalway.ie>



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